UPDATE 2 PM: The State Department’s report has been released, and claims the project will not significantly affect the rate of development of the oil sands or demand for heavy crude oil in the U.S.; another major boost for the project’s chances of approval.
The Keystone XL oil sands pipeline is about to clear another major hurdle.
The U.S. state department’s environmental assessment is set to downplay risks of the project.
The Canadian Press reports that the department’s assessment acknowledges that the oil sands are carbon-intensive, but it also says all modes of transportation are risky.
It’ll also state that the project isn’t any more of a threat to the environment than most projects.
All that would then remain is a final decision by U.S. President Barack Obama on the line, which would bring bitumen to the U.S. Gulf coast and help drive up the price.
March 1, 2013
